Make me like black beans...

Ok I know it's a weird request. I have HATED beans my entire life (other than green beans). A month or two ago at a work function we had a salad that had black beans on it. It was all we had for lunch so I ate it anyway and found out black beans aren't too bad.

So now my question is how do i get into them more? Should I buy them canned or dried? What's the best way to cook them?
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Replies

  • deluxmary2000
    deluxmary2000 Posts: 981 Member
    I buy canned. Just rinse them and mix with chopped avocado, corn, chopped tomato and some cilantro (which you can leave out if you're one of those weird cilantro haters). Add lemon juice, salt, pepper. Yum.
  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    I buy canned. Just rinse them and mix with chopped avocado, corn, chopped tomato and some cilantro (which you can leave out if you're one of those weird cilantro haters). Add lemon juice, salt, pepper. Yum.

    I'm more of a "the more cilantro the better" kind of guy. That sounds awesome. I will add that to my list to try for next week :)

    Thank you!
  • nm212
    nm212 Posts: 570 Member
    I love black beans! Here are some ideas for meals:

    Beans & Rice
    Black bean burger
    Homemade quesadilla, add beans , cheese, guacamole...or just veggies and beans can be good too
    Black bean brownies! Believe it or not, they taste good!
    Sweet Potato with black beans on top with chopped tomato or salsa! YUM! One of my faves! Filling and delicious (and low cal)


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  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    nm212 wrote: »
    I love black beans! Here are some ideas for meals:

    Black bean burger


    Curious about this one -- do you have a good recipe you like?
  • w117seg
    w117seg Posts: 14 Member
    edited September 2015
    We have two recipes we use pretty frequently with black beans:
    - "tacos" with canned black beans, cilantro and a little Tabasco. I even buy the seasoned canned black beans which are great! Buy some corn tortillas, put some oil in a skillet, drop in the tortillas filled just a little and folded in half. I put pepperjack cheese in them as well. I usually serve with cilantro-lime rice. It takes some practice to make them crispy, but we love them.
    - a slow cooker taco bowl with ~1.5 lbs of chicken, most of a small bag of frozen corn, a can of black beans, a jar of salsa. With decent salsa you don't need any seasoning- and I use restaurant style just because I like the consistency. cook on low for 6-8 hours then shred the chicken. You can serve it over rice or eat it with tortilla chips. It makes at least two meals for us so I usually do it both ways.
  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    w117seg wrote: »
    We have two recipes we use pretty frequently with black beans:
    - "tacos" with canned black beans, cilantro and a little Tabasco. I even buy the seasoned canned black beans which are great! Buy some corn tortillas, put some oil in a skillet, drop in the tortillas filled just a little and folded in half. I put pepperjack cheese in them as well. I usually serve with cilantro-lime rice. It takes some practice to make them crispy, but we love them.

    I was actually thinking about doing something similar with tacos last week! Not so much with the black beans but with folding it over and then pan frying to make them crispy. Glad to hear someone else has tried that. I'll give it a shot!
  • MrsSylvie
    MrsSylvie Posts: 301 Member
    i buy the goya canned ones, empty it into pan undrained and add 4tbsp of fresh mild salsa in it.
    the salsa makes them really good!
  • sixxpoint
    sixxpoint Posts: 3,529 Member
    edited September 2015
    Dried black beans. Soak them for a day in a large bowl at room temp. Drain water and rinse the beans.

    Meanwhile, in a deep 4-quart pot, saute some fine minced fresh garlic and white onion in a small amount of oil. Add the soaked black beans and enough water to cover. Add a handful of whole, fresh epazote (if you can get it). This is an amazing herb that you'll likely only find in Spanish stores and some farmer markets. It has a character reminiscent of camphor/petrol, which oddly enough works very well with black beans.

    Now, here is something neat to flavor the water and turn it into a sort of veg stock without any of the mess... Take a large, whole red bell pepper and chop off the top, discard the seeds and core, and stuff the bell pepper with half of a raw onion, some fresh thyme or epazote, garlic cloves, halves of habanero or jalapeno, bay leaves, large chunks of carrot, etc). Tie the top with twine so that nothing falls out. Float that in the water, bring to a boil, and immediately lower to a gentle simmer. The beans will take about 2-3 hours to fully cook depending on the amount of beans, the age of the beans, the amount of water, the type of stove, etc. -- When done, they should not turn to mush, but you should be able to press them with your tongue and roof of your mouth to the point where they fall apart with pressure.

    Just be sure to season heavily the bean water heavily. Beans needs plenty of kosher salt for flavor. You have to constantly check the salt balance, otherwise they will taste vapid.

    When done, add a bunch of fresh chopped cilantro. Cilantro is a delicate herb, so if you add it too early during the boil, you cook off all the flavor/aroma. Don't cook the beans with any acid (lime, tomato, vinegar, etc). It will destroy the texture. If adding any acidic ingredients, add them after the beans have already been cooked.

    You can make black bean quesadillas or anything you can think of with the finished beans. Good luck!
  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    @sixxpoint that sounds freakin' amazing.
  • dbanks80
    dbanks80 Posts: 3,685 Member
    I buy canned. Just rinse them and mix with chopped avocado, corn, chopped tomato and some cilantro (which you can leave out if you're one of those weird cilantro haters). Add lemon juice, salt, pepper. Yum.

    This actually sounds yummy except the corn. I am going to try this Thanks.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Black beans made hot are delicious. I was introduced with a Presidents Choice hot black bean soup. I don't think you can get it any more. Then I found Campbell's roasted red pepper and black bean soup, about the only creamy soup I tolerate. Then I have a turkey and black bean chili that is very good.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    sixxpoint wrote: »
    Dried black beans. Soak them for a day in a large bowl at room temp. Drain water and rinse the beans.

    Meanwhile, in a deep 4-quart pot, saute some fine minced fresh garlic and white onion in a small amount of oil. Add the soaked black beans and enough water to cover. Add a handful of whole, fresh epazote (if you can get it). This is an amazing herb that you'll likely only find in Spanish stores and some farmer markets. It has a character reminiscent of camphor/petrol, which oddly enough works very well with black beans.

    Now, here is something neat to flavor the water and turn it into a sort of veg stock without any of the mess... Take a large, whole red bell pepper and chop off the top, discard the seeds and core, and stuff the bell pepper with half of a raw onion, some fresh thyme or epazote, garlic cloves, halves of habanero or jalapeno, bay leaves, large chunks of carrot, etc). Tie the top with twine so that nothing falls out. Float that in the water, bring to a boil, and immediately lower to a gentle simmer. The beans will take about 2-3 hours to fully cook depending on the amount of beans, the age of the beans, the amount of water, the type of stove, etc. -- When done, they should not turn to mush, but you should be able to press them with your tongue and roof of your mouth to the point where they fall apart with pressure.

    Just be sure to season heavily the bean water heavily. Beans needs plenty of kosher salt for flavor. You have to constantly check the salt balance, otherwise they will taste vapid.

    When done, add a bunch of fresh chopped cilantro. Cilantro is a delicate herb, so if you add it too early during the boil, you cook off all the flavor/aroma. Don't cook the beans with any acid (lime, tomato, vinegar, etc). It will destroy the texture. If adding any acidic ingredients, add them after the beans have already been cooked.

    You can make black bean quesadillas or anything you can think of with the finished beans. Good luck!

    epazote I had to google it! That seems odd it would taste like gasoline. How strong is the taste of gasoline? I've eaten Hispanic food for most of my life and have never heard of it. Is there a region it's primarily used in?

  • sixxpoint
    sixxpoint Posts: 3,529 Member
    edited September 2015
    sixxpoint wrote: »
    Dried black beans. Soak them for a day in a large bowl at room temp. Drain water and rinse the beans.

    Meanwhile, in a deep 4-quart pot, saute some fine minced fresh garlic and white onion in a small amount of oil. Add the soaked black beans and enough water to cover. Add a handful of whole, fresh epazote (if you can get it). This is an amazing herb that you'll likely only find in Spanish stores and some farmer markets. It has a character reminiscent of camphor/petrol, which oddly enough works very well with black beans.

    Now, here is something neat to flavor the water and turn it into a sort of veg stock without any of the mess... Take a large, whole red bell pepper and chop off the top, discard the seeds and core, and stuff the bell pepper with half of a raw onion, some fresh thyme or epazote, garlic cloves, halves of habanero or jalapeno, bay leaves, large chunks of carrot, etc). Tie the top with twine so that nothing falls out. Float that in the water, bring to a boil, and immediately lower to a gentle simmer. The beans will take about 2-3 hours to fully cook depending on the amount of beans, the age of the beans, the amount of water, the type of stove, etc. -- When done, they should not turn to mush, but you should be able to press them with your tongue and roof of your mouth to the point where they fall apart with pressure.

    Just be sure to season heavily the bean water heavily. Beans needs plenty of kosher salt for flavor. You have to constantly check the salt balance, otherwise they will taste vapid.

    When done, add a bunch of fresh chopped cilantro. Cilantro is a delicate herb, so if you add it too early during the boil, you cook off all the flavor/aroma. Don't cook the beans with any acid (lime, tomato, vinegar, etc). It will destroy the texture. If adding any acidic ingredients, add them after the beans have already been cooked.

    You can make black bean quesadillas or anything you can think of with the finished beans. Good luck!

    epazote I had to google it! That seems odd it would taste like gasoline. How strong is the taste of gasoline? I've eaten Hispanic food for most of my life and have never heard of it. Is there a region it's primarily used in?

    It's Mexican, but it's probably growing in a lot of people's backyards in the US and mistaken as a weed.

    The leaves are oval and jagged. It's extremely potent in aroma, but it tastes less potent than it smells. More like earthy, camphor, and lemon. I hate when my Farmer's makret runs out it. Epazote elevates the black beans to a whole other level. Supposedly, it does something for to alleviate gassiness, too.

    769.png

    http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Epazote_769.php

    http://www.specialtyproduce.com <-- this site has a lot of cool produce, and linked recipes for the produce in question.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    i buy canned and rinse them.

    you can put them in salads, soups, burritos, whatever.... lol
  • Queenmunchy
    Queenmunchy Posts: 3,380 Member
    nm212 wrote: »
    I love black beans! Here are some ideas for meals:

    Black bean burger


    Curious about this one -- do you have a good recipe you like?

    @abetterluke - this recipe for black bean burgers is SO GOOD!

    Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayo
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    I put all kinds of these beans in chili. its great and you really don't taste them.
  • sixxpoint
    sixxpoint Posts: 3,529 Member
    Canned are quicker, but they lack flavor. And there's only so much you can do to jazz them up.

    To fix up canned beans:

    Drain and saute some fine minced fresh garlic and white onion in a small amount of oil. Add the drained black beans, stir to combine, and season to taste with kosher salt.

    You can smash them in the pot to make a bean puree which will be more manageable with a single can, remove from the heat, and toss in the chopped cilantro.
  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    nm212 wrote: »
    I love black beans! Here are some ideas for meals:

    Black bean burger


    Curious about this one -- do you have a good recipe you like?

    @abetterluke - this recipe for black bean burgers is SO GOOD!

    Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayo

    That looks fantastic. Adding that to my menu soon!
  • dawnmcneil10
    dawnmcneil10 Posts: 638 Member
    I keep some canned black beans around for making black bean brownies or when I want to add them to a quick salad.

    Most times I make my own black beans from dried beans. I love making black bean soup with big chunks of diced ham, red peppers, onions, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes and lots of cumin to add a nice smoked flavor. Sixxpoint already told you about soaking them so be sure you do that and toss the floaters before draining and rinsing. I serve my black bean soup with a nice heaping scoop of plain greek yogurt and a few jalapeno slices.

    I also cook my beans in a crock pot, soak overnight, rinse in the morning then add the water and other ingredients and let it cook.
  • sheermomentum
    sheermomentum Posts: 827 Member
    edited September 2015
    I grew up on black beans and rice. Among other things of course. Cuban-style:

    soak a pound of dry beans overnight.
    drain, rinse, and put in a pot (or crockpot) covered with water
    add
    1 large chopped green pepper,
    1 large chopped onion
    3-4 bay leaves
    at least 1 head of garlic (NOT cloves, heads. Yes, that much garlic. Put as much as you think is enough, then add more. Peel it first)
    a splash of olive oil
    about a teaspoon of cumin
    about a teaspoon of salt (my dad would add much more, but you can always add salt to your plate)

    Cook until tender. These get better the second day.

    Great for breakfast, especially on late autumn mornings or anytime you're a little hungover :)
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    This recipe from the Joy of Cooking uses dried beans: Brazilian Black Beans

    I've been making America's Test Kitchen Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice since they emailed me the recipe. The first time I made it I used canned beans and skipped step 2. This worked, but the completely followed recipe is more flavorful.
  • CurlyCockney
    CurlyCockney Posts: 1,394 Member
    I've only ever had black beans as a sauce on Chinese spare ribs. It's never occurred to me that I could buy them and do something with them! Thanks for all the ideas everyone, I shall look for them next time I do grocery shopping.
  • amgreenwell
    amgreenwell Posts: 1,267 Member
    Buy them canned, much less work and they are cheap. I use them for nearly everything I make.
    I LOVE black bean soup, chicken taco soup, black bean quesadillas, on top of salads, just as a side flavored with some cajun seasoning is the way for me, black bean dip with chips.
    I'm glad you've come over to the bean side and realize how good they are. maybe you'll start liking others too. when you go, remember bean soup is amazing!!
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    Can of black beans with some garlic and a bay leaf. It's the bomb when served with rice.
  • rbakedq
    rbakedq Posts: 142 Member
    I do This a lot:

    Black Bean And Corn Salad

    14 ounce can black beans; rinsed and drained
    10 ounces frozen corn kernels, or kernels from 2-3 fresh ears of corn. (see note below)
    1 small red bell pepper; seeded and chopped
    4 whole scallions; chopped
    1 teaspoons ground cumin; or to taste
    1/2 teaspoon chili powder; or to taste
    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    2 teaspoons hot sauce, just eyeball the amount; (recommended: Tabasco)
    1 whole lime; Juiced
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    salt and pepper; to taste

    Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve.

    Note: roasted peppers work well also. Cholula and Tabasco hot sauce recommended. You can replace scallions with 1/4 chopped red onion or to taste. This time of year I use fresh corn. Microwave three ears of corn with husks. When cool enough, husk the corn and slice the kernels off directly into the bowl. Easy!

    For MFP: a total recipe is 740 gr., and for the name in the MFP recipe section I use: Black Bean And Corn Salad - about 125 gr. or 1/2 cup.
  • chulipa
    chulipa Posts: 650 Member
    I'm married to a man from mexico so we eat alot of beans but i love black beans all i do is heat them sometimes whole sometimes i smash them. There great with eggs. Try scrambling eggs snd smash black beans in with the eggs and roll in tortillas you can put salsa, tomatoes, or anything you like
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,204 Member
    Put them in salsa, use them in stir-fries (they're good with Chinese-style food seasonings, especially spicy ones), put them on salad (add chopped mango - yummy combination). Plus all the stuff everyone said above.
  • sheldonklein
    sheldonklein Posts: 854 Member
    Dried beans are cheaper, taste better, and freeze well, but canned beans are a fine convenience food. Try a rice salad with black bean, corn and cilantro. It's beautiful and tasty
  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Going to give them a shot over the next couple weeks. They are pretty inexpensive around here and I know they are full of nutrients so I'm hoping I can make them into something I enjoy regularly.